triblive.com: Proposal in Harrisburg takes aim at ‘puppy mills’

Two Western Pennsylvania state lawmakers are proposing legislation to try to prevent pet stores from selling animals from commercial breeding facilities known as “puppy mills.”

The proposal would limit pet stores to selling dogs, cats and rabbits only from shelters and rescues, according to memos for twin bills introduced in the state House and Senate.

“It is well documented that ‘puppy mills,’ inhumane commercial dog-breeding facilities, frequently supply pet stores with puppies,” according to the proposal. “Consumers often spend thousands of dollars caring for sick puppies from pet stores, in some cases only to suffer the heartbreak of their new pet dying. With this legislation, pet stores will partner with shelters and rescues to promote adoption and decrease the demand for the puppies raised in puppy mills.”